SANTA WHO??!!

We were quite surprised one evening to get a call from theactivities director in the ward requesting Larry to be Santa for the church Christmas party! Very interesting!



He was quite uncertain, I was quite entertained, to say the least. They asked him because we have no kids and they tought it would be harder for everyone to guess who Santa was. Me hanging around ( at his insistence) probably didn't really aid his anonymity. But I had to get some pictures of that!



He suffered mightily in the heavy velour suit. (Welcome to MY world!) I was his personal water girl for the hour. Kids stood in line. One adorable little girl brought him a present!

The evening went off without a hitch. He did a great job!









You look fab, hon!

Turkey Day 2009

Thanksgiving 2009 was FABULOUS!






































Brenda and Tina admire the turkey!

Brenda tastes the turkey!


Larry doing his carve the turkey specialialty!

Our beautiful table.

The turkey is ready to go!

There was hours of game playing (mostly Boggle) and puzzle doing.

Getting out the appetizers.

The food spread!






We met at Brenda's in Menifee. I went out early with Tina to get help prepare dinner. We played Boggle (I suck!) and did a quick puzzle in between the food prep. The kids all played. Morgan was there with her kids. So we got to be with three of of the kids!

We ate til we couldn't eat no more! After watching the movie "Up," we dug into Pumpkin, Pecan and Dutch Apple pies. (Where is the wheel barrow when you n eed it!?)

I am thankful for many things. My family. My health. Friends. Larry's job. My beliefs.

Hope your Thanksgiving was as good as ours!

Tragic Family News

I just found out this morning that a first cousin, once removed, died in a freak spelunking accident the day before Thanksgiving in a remote cave in Utah called the Nutty Putty. This young man was a second year medical student who planned to specialize in pediatric cardiology. He had a small daughter with a second child on the way.

I cannot even begin to imagine what my cousins are going through at this time in their lives. To lose a child is the worst possible nightmare for parents. My deepest sympathy goes out to my cousins Ken and Cherie Jones. I am so sorry this awful thing has happened to you.

Unique Birthday Present

I got a very interesting birthday gift this year. Trilogy homes are not known for their plentiful storage. There is no wasted space but the storage is minimal.

I like to keep a FULL pantry and even store a few things for the day the government collapses as it has to do eventually if it continues down the path it is on right now. I had a Home Depot cupboard storage unit I was using for extra stuff but the problem is, in our California garages, the summer temps can top 120 unles sventilated. Yeah, we keep the garage door cracked, etc. But the is no real way of maintaining a temperature that stores food well.


We had a friend over that is pretty self sufficient and he recommended that we build out a corner of the garage, insulate it very well and install air conditioning. It sounded intriguing so we called a good friend who can build literally anything and asked his opinion.





He said it could be done so he and Larry started the very next day which was Saturday. Mike started a lot earlier than Larry wanted to but they got most of it framed, etc.

Then the question arose as to what materials to use: sheet rock and regular insulation? No. Mike took Larry shopping and they returned with an old restaurant refrigerator unit which they dismantled and installed the next Saturday. Then the door was put on (each wall has heavy duty hard foam, insulation) and we moved the cleaned and scrubbed shelves in and...wah lah! I have a huge storgage area that is automatically temperature controlled. Everything I have researched says all my stuff will now store for much longer time periods with the cooler storage area.

Larry put a sign on the door that said "Happy Birthday, Kay!" I moved in this week. I have informed the neighbors it is my Panic Room. Ha, ha. I plan to paint the exterior metal another color than gen metal gray. :-)

Finally Legal!

Living in a 55+ community like Trilogy has been a challenge. I was not 55 when we moved in almost five years ago but I am now! Had the big 5-5 November 7. Spent the day in San Diego with my [local] girls (Tina, Mirgan and Brenda) and grandkids. Went shopping, out to a late breakfast, and to Emily's soccer game. They lost. :-( But it was sweet!

That night I got home and changed clothes. Larry had bought us tickets to a very night...a Trilogy club, Trilogy on the Roof, was hosting a night of magic. Everyone dressed up. We enjoyed a delicious catered dinner and then really had fun with the magic show presented by The Magic House of Ortange County. They were fabulous!

Larry and I with Eileen and Jeff...

Me and my friend Mary...

Halloween

Halloween in Trilogy is pretty boring. The last two years we have attended Brenda's church Halloween party. It is always a blast. Brenda's kids wouldn't sit still long enough for me to even take a picture but Morgan's kids were herded for a photo. Cute!

Larry Passes Off Trial Trophy

Larry's law firm has a trophy that goes from attorney to attorney as they win jury trials. Larry has had the trophy for four months and recently has to pass it on to a fellow litigator winning a defense verdict!

He starts a "bench" trial tomorrow in Palm Springs!